Title: The 1492 Itsekiri Odyssey
Author: Uti Michael Omatsone
Year of Publication: 2024
Number of Pages: 74
Category: Historical Fiction
The great thing about historical fiction is that it tells a good story while also teaching you something new and ‘The 1492 Itsekiri Odyssey’ by Uti Michael Omatsone does just that.
From the very first page, the story unfolds like a movie, one with a touch of fantasy, rich drama, and a soundtrack of ancestral drums beating softly in the background. The scenes are vivid, the emotions real, and the journey unforgettable.
At its heart are two main characters, boldly featured on the cover, who lead us through a tale that’s as imaginative as it is rooted in truth. And truth is important here, because this novel, though fictional, draws deeply from the wells of history.
It’s a story inspired by real-life events, legends, and empires that once shook the world. From the reign of Olu Ginuwa I, the first Olu of Warri, to the golden footsteps of King Mansa Musa, and the powerful walls of the Benin Empire, walls once said to be greater than China’s.
This isn’t just a story, it’s a timely offering. As the world begins to return stolen artifacts like the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, this book arrives as both reminder and revelation. It tells us, “Our stories matter. Our past is not forgotten.”
It’s no surprise that the author, Uti Michael Omatsone, writes with such authority and heart, he is clearly of the Itsekiri region. Who else could tell this story with such depth, such detail, and such reverence? It’s only natural that people from the Niger Delta will feel an instant connection. And rightly so. If we don’t tell our stories, who will?
The language is easy to read, even a young reader could follow along and be swept up in the adventure. Still, there’s a small wish: perhaps a few African proverbs could have added that extra spark of ancestral wisdom, grounding the book even more in its cultural roots.
And when the final page is turned, don’t be surprised if you find yourself googling the Itsekiri nation, planning a visit to a museum, or walking into the nearest library just to keep the journey going.
The 1492 Itsekiri Odyssey is more than a novel. It’s a bridge linking past to present, memory to imagination, and fiction to a history that deserves to be remembered.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial
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